On Sunday, March 23, at around 5am, a neighbour—who is also a parent at Ramba Boys High School—knocked on Siprosa Awinda’s door.
The neighbour had bad news for Ms Awinda.
She asked the 53-year-old woman if she had heard about the tragedy that had occurred at the school the previous evening.
“At that moment, I knew nothing about the accident,” Ms Awinda told Nation.Africa during an interview at her home in Kombewa, Kisumu County.
The neighbour told her that two Form Four students had fallen into a septic tank within the institution located in Siaya County and were feared dead.
Celine Auma, sister of David Awinda, who died in the Ramba Boys High School tragedy.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation
On arrival, they found many parents gathered at the school’s entrance, having been barred from entering by security guards and the police.
“We waited for about 10 minutes before my daughter received a call that the principal wanted to speak with us. I was shocked! My entire body began to tremble as sweat formed on my brow. The security guards ushered us in and led us towards the principal’s office,” Ms Awinda recalled.
The principal informed her that her son and a fellow student had been involved in an accident and both had died.
“I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I felt hollow, and for a moment I think my heart stopped beating and my head began spinning. I can’t even tell if I heard what the teacher said next,” Ms Awinda said.
David Awinda and his classmate, Ryan Otieno, had just finished supper on Saturday and were preparing for their evening studies when the fatal accident occurred, Ms Awinda would later learn from the principal, Wycliffe Mwambwa.
According to witnesses, the two boys had gone to relieve themselves before heading to class when they fell into the septic tank.
Ms Awinda now wants Mr Mwambwa held accountable for the death of her son, claiming negligence.
“If the principal had heeded the numerous complaints from students about the hazardous state of the septic tank, my son would still be alive today. There is no measure for the magnitude of death, but my son died one of the most horrific deaths imaginable. Imagine being trapped in a septic tank for 12 hours. I can’t fathom the pain he endured,” she told Nation.Africa amid sobs.
Overwhelmed with grief, Ms Awinda expressed her wish to take legal action against the school but cited lack of funds as a setback.
“I am just a peasant farmer. I don't have the means to press charges against the principal, but if I can get a pro bono lawyer, I’ll definitely fight for my son,” she said.
“We sold farm produce to pay his fees. Just last week, the school called demanding Sh3,000 ahead of the end-term exams, which we sent immediately,” she explained.
Siprosa Awinda holds her son's clothes that were retrieved from the school.
Photo credit: Alex Odhiambo | Nation
On Wednesday, three days before his death, David had called his sister Auma asking for pocket money.
“How I wish we had chosen a different school. Perhaps David would still be alive,” said Ms Auma.
David scored 387 marks in his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education exams and was initially called to join Chewoyet National School.
However, due to financial constraints, the family opted for Ramba Boys High School.
“He wanted to be a doctor. He worked hard and always told me, ‘Mother, pray for me. I am trying my best to improve from an A-minus to an A plain,’” Ms Awinda said through sobs.
“I am the one who admitted David in 2022 when he joined Form One. He was a dedicated student. We last spoke on Wednesday when he asked for pocket money, which I had promised to send on Sunday. What hurts me most is why the school waited for 12 hours before informing us about my brother’s death,” she said.
She said the principal called her at 6.48am on Sunday to inquire about the whereabouts of David’s parents.
“We were handed his uniform—the same one he wore the night he died. It was traumatising,” she recalled.
David’s father, John Awinda, struggled to contain his sorrow.
“My son had a bright future ahead of him, but now he is gone. We sacrificed everything for his education. It is devastating that his life ended this way,” he said.
Students at the school accused the administration of ignoring repeated warnings about the state of the septic tank.
“The septic tank was old, and we repeatedly warned the school about it,” one student disclosed. “We even submitted complaints through the suggestion box, but he dismissed our concerns, insisting that the tank was in good condition.”
When Nation.Africa questioned Mr Mwambwa about the students’ allegations, he said, “Kindly speak with my seniors. I have nothing to say.”
Following the tragic deaths, the school was closed indefinitely.
